Carrie Bradshaw took fashion to the next level with her iconic and chic wardrobe. From timeless and classic pieces to very unique fashions statements, I have always been intrigued by her style. When I saw this coat at Banana Republic I immediately thought of Carrie Bradshaw…the price tag was very CB too. Fortunately, I have a watchful eye and this coat was marked down to $149 (regularly $328), with an additional 50% off!! You cannot beat that price, especially for a wool coat! This is by far, my favorite purchase yet. It's classic and timeless and can be worn for years to come.

My ruffle top was another BR find, for 50% off! I love the feminine detail but also how comfortable it is. I am also looking for pieces that can be worn to work and at home and I thought this blouse transitioned nicely.

I am pretty proud of myself regarding the deals I scored on this outfit. I found these AG jeans at Nordstrom Rack; they were originally $169.00 and I paid $29! I rarely spend full price on one given item, it's hard to justify that when your budget is restricted. Instead, I make sure to shop after Christmas, during Labor Day and at the end of every season. Those are peak times for sales and the best way to find good deals.

This was a difficult post to write. I am normally pro-birthday, but this year I have been more reluctant to celebrate the festivities. I found myself looking back on my year as a 23 year old and wishing I would have done things different, tried new things, and taken more chances. I feel that our birthdays are a time to be excited about the new us, the older us, not look back and wish we could rewind time. Instead, I decided to come up with a bucket list. There is always a running list in my head of things I want to do and places I want to go, but I have never actually written them down. Today, as I am one year older, engaged, and graduated from college, I am realizing that time slips away from us. I don't wish to rewind but to go forward with more motivation and passion for life. I want to take every opportunity, see the world, live in the moment, laugh, and start every day with a good cup of coffee. Today, as I turn 24 years old (not officially until later tonight), I owe it to myself to give life a better chance. We all owe it to ourselves.

So, without further ado, 24 items on my bucket list that I wish to accomplish before my last birthday. I better get started.

1 // Take a ride in a hot air balloon. I loved this post written by a fashion blogger I follow.
2 // Visit Greece, specifically Santorini and Mykonos.
3 // Go hiking in Colorado with Summit (our husky).
4 // Go back to Alaska with Adam. Hike and kayak where I have previously.
5 // Spend a couple of weeks touring Europe: France, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, etc. (Adam added in that we will be flying first class)
6 // Wine tasting in Napa Valley
7 // Visit New York City during the winter months and go ice skating at Rockefeller Park
8 // Visit San Francisco.
9 // Attend New York Fashion Week.
10 // Take pictures in a flower field, like this field near San Diego
11 // Get married (hopefully one step closer to this!)
12 // Have a one week vacation somewhere warm such as Hawaii or Bermuda
13 // Design our future home.
14 // Go on a mission trip.
15 // Work with more brands on my blog (like Kate Spade!)
16 // Skydiving with my fiancé.
17 // Read 100 books consecutively.
18 // Purchase a Leica camera and take thousands of photos.
19 // Take a photography class.
20 // About 7 years ago, Adam bought me a star for our anniversary, I want to find that star!
21 // Help Adam complete his bucket list
22 // Pay off all my debt from student loans as quick as possible.
23 // Take a family trip when I have kids with my family and Adam's, somewhere warm!
24 // Add 76 more things to my list to have a list of 100…and complete them all!

I can finally say that Adam and I are engaged! From high school sweethearts to long distance lovers to engaged, it has been quite the journey (and a fun one at that). I remember how young we were when we first started "dating," and how difficult things were when we were long distance for four years. I am still on cloud 9, soaking every single detail in, and admiring my ring every minute of the day.

How he asked was perfect (this, I will share later) and how the day panned out was everything I could have imagined and hoped for. All I really remember was crying hysterically, so excited and overwhelmed…thankfully, he recorded the whole thing so we can watch the cheesiness over and over.

I have already been asked about wedding dates, where it will be, and who will be there, all I can say is I have no clue!! Coming from someone who loves planning, and loves weddings, you'd think I would have my dream wedding mapped out. I am so happy with the new chapter we have entered and I think I will let it soak in awhile. Let's not be fooled however, we all know that I will start planning things soon…and sharing every detail on the blog!

Thank you to all of you who have shared kind words thus far, we are so grateful and my heart is full!

Summit participated in the special occasion too, how sweet is his bow tie?!

Christmas came and went in a blink of an eye, and now as we are approaching the new year, I had a bit of a panic on what I wanted to accomplish this next year and what I didn't accomplish this year. A lot of people make new year resolutions, I however have never been one for resolutions but rather goals. I took awhile to look back on 2015 and I realized that I didn't accomplish most of the goals I wanted to for myself, and I complained more about them not happening than actually taking charge and doing something.
Well, I figured enough is enough and I put together some goals (or hopes/dreams) that I want to accomplish come 2016. It's exciting to start fresh, and that's what I think the New Year brings…a clean slate. Whatever mistakes happened this year can be forgotten as we move our way into the new year. A fresh state of mind and rejuvenated motivation will be necessary if I plan to accomplish all of these goals. (I am thinking of ordering some more power sheets to hold myself accountable…what do you think?)

1 // Define my career…in terms of happiness. I may have said it before, but I will say it again. I don't believe in living a life where you are unhappy with your career. Life is too short to not enjoy every single day. I want to reinvent my terms of where I would like to see my life go and it starts with my career. Whether it's in my current position or off on my own, I plan to take a risk and BE HAPPY.

2 // Be more healthy. I don't have a particular goal of losing weight but I want to live a healthier lifestyle. Running every morning, drinking more water, eating clean, and taking care of my body. This means some lifestyle changes, but I do believe they are necessary changes that will make me feel so much better.

3 // Taking time to relax. Relaxation has been hard to come by as of late and I realized that I get easily overwhelmed and stressed if I don't take time to relax and 'let go.' Whether it's relaxing on the couch, going to a spa, taking a bubble bath, hiking with the dog, or taking a nap, I need to relax more!

4 // Give back. I love helping people. It's in my nature to help as many people as I can and this year I didn't focus on that as much as I should have. When I worked on a dementia unit a couple of years ago I felt so content because I knew I was making an impact on those people's lives. It's a very rewarding feeling to know you did some good. Every month, I want to set a goal of giving back in any way I can.

5 // Focus on relationships. With my family and friends far away I had a hard time balancing my relationships this year. I am setting a goal to make more time for those who mean most, and cherishing the time I do have.

What are your resolutions or goals for the New Year?

P.S The winner for the giveaway was chosen at random. Allison M, you won! Email me with your address so I can ship the goodies to you.

You all know I love color, but as of late, I have been drawing to classic black, white, and neutral pieces. I don't know if it's with older age but I feel more confident wearing a black and white ensemble then anything else. I obviously always pop with a punch of color whether it's red lips and fun high heels.

This bow scarf was a steal for $24.99 at T.J. Maxx (hint: around the holidays, they load up on designer brands) and I love the bows, it's the perfect touch of femininity. Scarves are go-to accessory when the outfit 'just isn't complete.' Just as well, it's freezing here in the midwest, so an added layer around you neck is a must-have!

Have you entered to win this cross body Kate Spade purse? There is a few other goodies you could win too!

Three days before Christmas! Who's excited?! I am feeling a little overwhelmed still as I wrapped a present the other day…without the present inside. Someone will have a nice surprise of nothing (just kidding)!

On another note, you all know how much I love bright colors. When I found this scarf at The Loft I immediately picked it up. Not only is it bright, it is so soft and cozy. I threw it on the other night when Adam and I went ice skating, it was definitely the brightest scarf on the rink!

This hat was a favorite find of mine, for only $5.99. Pretty sure it's actually a men's hat that was placed in the women's section at T.J. Maxx, but I rolled it once and it fit great.

This year, Target really stepped up their wrapping game. I fell in love with all the bright colors, gold trim, and twine. The Sugar Paper x Target collection fit perfectly into the holiday theme I was going for.

It's that time of year when giving is more important than getting and while I would love to give something to everyone, I don't think I could afford that or have enough time! This is my way of saying thank you for being a loyal reader and Merry Christmas!!

What one lucky winner will win:

Kate Spade Bow Crossbody

Bow Earrings

"Take a Bow" Bracelet

The winner will be announced on the Rafflecopter below on Saturday, December 26th!

I have finally figured out my outfit for Christmas day. These pants were 40% off at The Loft and you all know me and gold detailing. Not to mention, a touch of red adds the perfect amount of festivity. While shopping the other day, I was searching for an ivory/off-white sweater. The amount of stores I went in was a bit ridiculous (hence why I shop online). However, I found this Ann Taylor at T.J. Maxx for $23! What was once $98 was more than half off, score!

Pinterest

FIne Print

Tay Meets World is a part of several affiliate advertising programs. This means that if you click and/or make a purchase through certain links or ads on my site, I may make a commission from that click and/or purchase. All opinions are my own! All pictures on my site are mine unless otherwise stated. If you wish to use a picture please place a link to where you got it!

TMW allows third party companies to serve ads and/or collect certain anonymous information when you visit this blog.